| Portland’s Got Style | ||||
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Spa Tech Institute Student Awarded First Place in National Competition Lindsey Bomba, 25, a student at Spa Tech Institute in Portland, Maine, earned first place in the Junior Star Styles competition; a national competition that attracted more than 200 of the nation’s top cosmetology students. On Monday, May 4, Bomba was awarded more than $50,000 in cash, education and travel as well as the chance to work with some of the masters in the hair industry. Bomba learned of her award during a surprise presentation by Junior Style Stars founder Paul Barry of Barristar Productions. Mr. Barry traveled from Newport Beach, California to Maine to present Bomba with her award.The Junior Style Stars competition invited cosmetology students to create a theme-inspired style demonstrating their skill at hair design and color. All students competed on identical mannequin heads and had their creations photographed at J.C. Penney Portrait Studio locations across the country. A panel of 14 judges, all with professional hair experience, evaluated each entrant’s mannequin based on technical, creative and aesthetic criteria. All 2009 competition submissions reflected a style themed as “Real Life Bridal”. “We wanted the students to focus on the types of styles they will be creating once they graduate from cosmetology school, versus focusing on more fantasy-inspired looks,” noted Paul Barry. Charlotte Hannah, Director of Education at Spa Tech Institute noted that Bomba performed all of the work on her Junior Style Star entry at Spa Tech Institute. “From the use of identical mannequins to ensuring that all styling was performed on school premises and was photographed by the same portrait studio chain, the Junior Style Star competition provides a level playing field for cosmetology students to demonstrate their skills,” Hanna said. Lindsey’s dramatic style design featured a clean, elegant look that integrated form, balance and subtle use of color. Instructor Charlotte Hanna said that Lindsey’s work ethic coupled with her design talent provide virtually unlimited career opportunities upon her graduation. “Lindsey is tenacious, resourceful and dedicated to the business. We can’t wait to see where her career will take her upon graduation,” Hannah said. In addition to the cash award, Bomba will soon be traveling to some of the nation’s leading hair and beauty shows in Orlando and Las Vegas. She will also have an opportunity to work as an assistant with some of the leading stylists in the industry. “Lindsey has already demonstrated an interest in excelling in the beauty industry. She recently traveled to Chicago to attend one of the salon industry’s top hair shows while still in cosmetology school. This entrepreneurial element and commitment to continuing learning will serve her well in her career,” noted Jim Cox, executive director of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools. Careers in beauty remain a bright spot in the employment arena. U.S. News and World Reports rated cosmetology as one of the top careers for 2009. Job growth in cosmetology including hair, skin and nails is projected to outpace growth in many careers through 2015. |
